Lily Prasad, CTO, Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), is a pioneering leader in the field of technological transformation within India’s food safety ecosystem. Her leadership has been pivotal in modernising FSSAI’s operations, leveraging technology to enhance food safety standards across the country. With a deep commitment to public health and a vision for streamlining regulatory processes, Lily has led several key initiatives that have helped establish FSSAI as a leading regulatory authority in food safety.
Armed with a degree in technology management, Lily has a strong grasp of the digital landscape, allowing her to lead complex technological advancements at FSSAI. Her experience in the software industry provided her with critical skills, including project management, data analysis, and digital transformation.
Driving Digital Transformation
As the CTO of FSSAI, Lily Prasad has been instrumental in spearheading a comprehensive digital transformation aimed at enhancing food safety standards across the country. Her vision centres on leveraging technology to create a transparent and efficient regulatory environment, significantly improving food safety for businesses and consumers alike.
One of Lily’s major initiatives is the implementation of the Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS). This innovative online platform allows food businesses to apply for licenses and track their applications in real time, thereby minimising the need for in-person visits. By digitising the licensing process, Lily has made compliance easier and more transparent, particularly for businesses located in remote areas.
Another key contribution is the Food Safety Connect App, which serves as a vital resource for both consumers and food businesses. The app provides essential information regarding food safety regulations, eligibility criteria for licensing, and educational content aimed at promoting healthier eating habits. A standout feature of the app is its ability to verify the authenticity of FSSAI licenses on food products, fostering trust and transparency between consumers and manufacturers.
Under Lily’s leadership, FSSAI has also undergone a significant cloud migration, transferring its vast database to the Government Community Cloud. This strategic move has enhanced data security, optimised storage capabilities, and facilitated faster processing of food safety data. Furthermore, the migration has enabled the integration of an AI-powered dashboard, allowing users to access critical information in real time, thereby improving operational efficiency.
Lily has introduced an AI-led inspection system, addressing the challenge of managing a significant volume of license applications and inspections. This system automates the allocation of inspection tasks, ensuring transparency and uniform adherence to regulatory standards across regions.
Understanding the importance of data security, Lily has prioritised the strengthening of FSSAI’s data security infrastructure. By conducting regular security audits, implementing continuous upgrades, and enhancing encryption techniques, she ensures that sensitive data remains protected from cyber threats.
Lily’s initiatives also extend to enhancing access to food safety resources in remote areas. One of her notable accomplishments is the rollout of “Food Safety on Wheels,” mobile labs equipped with advanced technology for on-site food testing. This initiative guarantees that even the most underserved regions of India are included in FSSAI’s food safety framework, thereby protecting public health nationwide.
In addition to her technological innovations, Lily plays a pivotal role in policy development at FSSAI, contributing to the establishment of new standards for emerging food categories such as vegan products, organic foods, and Ayurvedic aahaar. By expanding FSSAI’s scientific panels and expert committees, she ensures that the latest scientific research informs food safety policies, drawing on the expertise of 286 professionals from 88 organisations.
Lily’s impactful leadership and contributions have earned her recognition, including the TechSabha Excellence Award in 2023 for her commitment to enhancing food safety through technology. Her efforts are setting new benchmarks in governance and public health, making a significant difference in the lives of millions across India.
A Vision for the Future
Lily’s overarching vision is to create a robust and transparent food safety ecosystem that is on par with global standards. She believes that the use of advanced technology can transform how food safety is managed in India, ensuring that both businesses and consumers have the tools and resources they need to adhere to safety standards.
Her mission includes not only improving food safety processes but also fostering sustainable food practices. By aligning India’s food safety standards with global benchmarks, Lily aims to protect consumer health while promoting ethical, sustainable practices in the food industry.
Beyond her professional achievements, Lily is deeply passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems. Her dedication to food safety and public health drives her to continuously seek out innovative solutions that can have a lasting impact on society.
Lily’s journey as the CTO of FSSAI showcases her commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of society. Through her leadership, FSSAI has embraced digital transformation, implemented cutting-edge technologies, and established new standards for food safety. Her vision for a transparent, globally competitive food safety ecosystem is driving India toward a future where food safety and public health go hand in hand. With her passion for innovation and her dedication to public service, Lily is undoubtedly a trailblazer in the field of food safety and technology.
